Ministries find themselves in somewhat of a grey area when
it comes to design, often asking questions like is this really worth the
investment; how do we know this will help; who will manage our endeavors? With
many different options and opinions Church’s find themselves in a predicament, what and who can they trust regarding design? Well, believe it or not, these are four myths
regarding design and ministry.

Design is
everything:Design is a crucial aspect when it comes to the digital and
static representation of your ministries, however it’s not everything. Within
your Church there are many aspects that hold much more value than design; don’t
let a designer tell you they don’t. Good design should compliment and come alongside
the important pieces of your ministries, not become your ministries.

Knowledge
of design outweighs knowledge of the project: Nothing could be farther from
the truth. Just because you may not have a professional perspective of design
doesn’t mean you don’t (or can’t) hold the value of your ministries. A good
designer will consult you through the design process but utilize your knowledge
and passion of the ministry in a way that enhances the relevance and efficiency
of the build.

Content
is king: Although content is a crucial and integral factor in your digital
and static design, it’s not king. The functionality, usability, and purpose are
just as important. A good designer will highlight the value of content when it
coincides with these factors within your designs. Content is simply one piece
of the puzzle (or a leg under a table).

Good
design is about making something look good: This is simply false. Good
design cannot be limited to simply “looking good.” It’s about researching,
understanding, incorporating, and implementing all of the aspects and purposes
of your ministries. The moment design is limited or acknowledged to be fully
understood is the moment it will cease to be excellent. Good design requires an
examination and understanding of the complexity beyond design; care is needed.